Judson Football Begins Season with 52-6 Loss at Taylor

Upland, IN     The second season of Judson University Football is now underway as the Eagles began their season once again by facing Taylor University on Saturday. The Eagles lost their opening contest 52-6.

Judson trailed in the contest early as Taylor scored a pair of first quarter touchdowns. Judson's offense began to provide momentum in the second quarter when the Eagles methodically drove down the field 48 yards on nine plays in 5:08. That drive was capped off with a 33- yard field goal from Tomaz Colino. After a Taylor touchdown was called back due to a penalty, Judson's second scoring drive began when Trey Sayers picked off a pass with 0:50 remaining. Judson was able to get in scoring position after O'Vauntay Vickers caught a pass on a trick play throw from Alex Siebens to put the Eagles in the Red Zone. Colino made another field goal from 34 yards out to conclude the opening half trailing by eight points. Taylor would score the game's final 38 points in the second half.

Judson's offense had its moments on Saturday, as the Eagles recorded 248 yards from scrimmage, including 148 yards in the air and 100 yards on the ground. Christian Miller was 12-24 in the contest with 104 yards and an interception. Siebens was a perfect 2-2 on the day, finishing with 44 yards in the air. Brandon Mackey led the Eagles in rushing with 14 carries for 76 yards. James Brisco rushed the ball for 31 yards on five carries. Trey Sayers (21 yards) and Dakari Ferguson (14) each had 10+ yards in their lone runs. Receiving-wise, Vickers led the way with 81 yards on eight receptions. Siebens had 39 yards receiving on three receptions. Negil Bruce (2 receptions, 15 yards) and Mackey (1 reception, 13 yards) rounded out the Judson receiving efforts.

Defensively, Jontrell Mitchell led Judson with eight total tackles (five solo, three assisted) including two tackles for a loss totaling seven yards. DaMarius Farmer had five tackles (three solo, two assisted) and had a tackle for a loss. Malcolm Perry had five (2 solo, three assisted) total tackles. Jared Brooks had the team's lone sack, while Clifton Jimerson, Bryce Heerey, and Troynell Rivers Jr. each had a tackle for a loss for Judson. Devon Head forced the lone fumble in the contest.

Judson's special teams was the story of the contest as it was an impressive all-around effort. In addition to Colino's two made field goals, Trey Sayers had seven punts totaling 259 yards. His longest was 54 yards and he had one punt go inside the 20. Mackey had 67 return yards on three returns, while Jayleen Lemon had three returns for 47 yards. Ferguson had 38 yards in his two returns, while Jordan West had 37 yards in his lone return. Ryan Otey returned one punt for 42 yards.

"Taylor played a great game. They are a very disciplined and smart football team. They capitalized on our mistakes and we did not respond well to adversity," said Judson Head Coach Dan Paplaczyk. "Our special teams played really well and we can build off that. We had flashes of bright spots on offense and defense, just got to clean up the mistakes and be more consistent."

Judson (0-1) will have a bye week prior to returning to northeastern Indiana to face St. Francis (IN) in Ft. Wayne beginning at 5:00 PM central time.